Max Ellis

October 2023 – Ellis had a solid first pro season with the Toronto Marlies, scoring ten goals and 20 points in 49 games. The speedy winger carried a bit of this scoring touch into this year’s training camp, even potting a goal in the final game of pre-season. At 23 years old, Ellis has a few years of development left, and he could end up being a decent plug-and-play option in the Maple Leafs bottom-six. On what is expected to be a reasonably strong Marlies squad, an increase in production will be big in boosting his odds of becoming an NHLer. Curtis Rines

April 2022 – Ellis signed on with the Leafs following his junior season at Notre Dame in which he registered career-highs in games played, goals, assists, and points. After scoring five goals and 11 assists in 24 games as a sophomore, he broke out for 16 goals and 12 assists over 39 games in 2021-22. Ellis’ two-year entry level contract with the Leafs begins in 2022-23 and he will join the Marlies on a professional tryout agreement to wrap up the 2021-22 season.

Ellis lacks size and strength but he has great speed and a willingness to compete in the tough areas. He has a good sense of timing in the offensive zone, pouncing on pucks in space and positioning himself around the front of the net to battle for rebounds. His shot is average and he isn’t likely to score much from range but he has a knack for getting underneath checks to make himself available in high-danger spots. Ellis is a long shot to contribute at the NHL level but if he makes it there, it will likely be due in large part to his speed and competitiveness. Nick Richard